People carrying just a personal item that fits under the seat — no rolling suitcases — will be allowed to board before most others. American said that will speed up the process and allow flights to take off sooner.

The airline will let passengers check carry-on bags at the gate at no charge. That means savvy travelers will be able to move up in the boarding order and avoid checked-bag fees — $25 for the first bag, $35 for a second on flights within the United States — though they’ll have to retrieve the bag at baggage claim after they land.

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